ethical implications Flashcards
what are ethical implications
considering the impact or consequences of psychological research has on the rights of individuals, groups and wider society (not just those who took part in study)
who proposed the idea of social sensitivity
Sieber and Stanley (1988)
what does the term socially sensitive mean
used to describe studies that have potentially negative consequences for groups represented in the research or those participating in the study (e.g. in terms of social policy).
what research study can be used to show this
milgram
what is a theory that can be used to show this
bowlby attachment theory
what could be argued in terms of ethical implications with milgram
the importance of the findings did justify the way the research was conducted, as the research is useful to society in determining the factors that affect obedience to authority
what can be argued in terms of ethical implications with bowlby
whilst this has contributed to childcare practices, it has also encouraged the view that a woman’s place is at home with her children, which may make mothers feel somewhat guilty about wanting to return to work after childbirth
what can be argued in terms of social sensitivity with milgram
could be argued his research is socially sensitive as the research can be used to get people to obey orders even the ones they dont want to follow challenging free will
what were the 4 research questions Sieber and Stanley proposed
the research question
the methodology used
the institutional context
interpretation and application of the findings
the research question meaning
should consider research carefully and how the question is being phrased. for example, when asking questions like ‘Are there racial differences in IQ?’ or ‘Is intelligence inherited?’ may be damaging to members of a particular group.
The methodology used meaning
The researcher needs to
handle this with care to ensure they don’t emotionally harm participants
For example, if someone admits to committing a crime, or to having unprotected sex if they are HIV positive, should the researcher maintain confidentiality?
The institutional context meaning
The researcher should be mindful of how the data is going to be used and consider who is funding the research. If the research is funded by a private institution or organisation, why are they funding the research and how do they intend to use the findings?
Interpretation and Application of Findings meaning
the researcher needs to consider how their findings might be interpreted and applied in the real-world. Could their data or results be used to inform policy?
what exists to make sure ethical guidelines are followed for both pp and researcher
The British Psychological Society (BPS) (and American Psychological Society)
what gives the researcher a lack of control over their findings once published
the media
how
Once research has been published there is very little that can be done by researchers in terms of how the media will interpret and present the findings of that research e.g a research study may find that people born with a specific gene lack the ability to control their anger
This in turn may be reported by the media as ‘X gene means you’re a psychopath!’
what is a strength of this
Socially sensitive research can help to highlight inadequacies in the care of vulnerable people.
example for first point
Rosenhan’s (1973) study on the de-humanising treatment of patients in mental hospitals in the USA led to a review of how such institutions were run and their potential for labelling people according to their illness
what can we conclude from this
research often shines a light on neglected or mistreated groups, helping to identify systemic failures, poor care standards, or inequalities in services (or people with disabilities). By bringing these issues to the forefront, it can inform policy changes, improve support systems, and ensure better ethical treatment of vulnerable populations moving forward.
what are 2 weakness
Some socially sensitive studies have been conducted in ways which are far from ethical and led to the perpetuation of bias and discrimination
Researchers who conduct socially sensitive research may exploit their participants, particularly if those participants are vulnerable
whats a research example for the first point (think like yr 6 type shi u got dis darg)
Burt (1955) invented data that led to the implementation of the 11+ examinations in the UK.
what can we conclude from this
goes against the ‘do not harm’ principle. If research ends up making life worse for certain groups by reinforcing negative labels or justifying unfair treatment, then it’s ethically problematic- even if that wasn’t the researcher’s intention.
whats a study showing researchers who conduct socially sensitive research may exploit their participants, particularly if those participants are vulnerable
Griffiths (1994) study into gambling addiction used regular gamblers who were asked to play on slot machines which could reinforce their need to gamble
what can we conclude from this
pushes the boundaries of what is ethical in research harming participants
